You can choose to take the IDP IELTS test in more than 60 countries and 450 test locations around the world – from target markets such as Australia, the UK and Canada to source destinations such as India, Colombia and Indonesia.
Before you book an IELTS test, we’ll help you better understand which test you may need to take – Academic, General Training, Life Skills or UKVI. And what documents do you need to bring with you to successfully book your exam?
Which IELTS test to book
If you plan to study in higher education or intend to gain professional registration, you will most likely need to complete IELTS. Alternatively, if you are looking to study, work or migrate to an English-speaking country, IELTS General Training may be for you.
Where you choose to study, work or immigrate can affect which tests you need to take. If you plan to travel to the UK, you may need to take the UKVI IELTS test. This can be IELTS for UKVI Academic or IELTS for UKVI General Training or a Life Skills A1, A2 or B1.
Before you book your IELTS test, make sure you visit the appropriate government or institutional websites to confirm which test you need to take, as government agencies, institutions and other recognising organisations set their own IELTS entry requirements.
IELTS on computer or IELTS on paper
You can choose to take the IELTS test on a computer or paper for general training and academic testing. The test format, question types, test time and content of each part of the computer-based IELTS and paper-based IELTS are the same. The only difference is your experience on test day.
If you choose to take the IELTS test on a computer, you will use the computer to complete the reading, listening and writing parts of the test. The IELTS speaking test remains the same, face-to-face interview with the examiner. Speaking tests are taken before or after reading, listening and writing tests.
If you take the paper-based IELTS, you will complete the reading, listening and writing sections on paper. The speaking test is completed during an interview with an IELTS examiner and can be taken either before or a week after the test date. In the IELTS test, writing, reading and listening are all conducted on the same day without interruption between each test.Â
Also, ensure that you check with the test venue you wish to take IELTS before you book. Some exam venues and countries only offer one or the other – IELTS on computer or IELTS on paper.
Special Requirements And IELTS
Whether you are visually impaired, have a speech impairment or something else means you can only take the IELTS test by special arrangement, the IELTS test sites in our network can help you.
We can provide Braille paper, modified large paper, extended written prompts on Speak task cards, special hearing tests, lip-reading versions of hearing tests, special reinforcement devices, word-processing software, and voice-activated software.
It is best to contact your test centre before booking an IELTS test appointment. There you can find the next available test date. Notification times may vary, depending on changes required for your tests.
What documents do you need to book IELTS
Once you have decided which IELTS test you need to take and which format you wish to take, you can book your IELTS test.
To successfully book your IELTS test, please ensure you have a valid ID at hand. For example, this identification document can be a valid passport.
To reserve your IELTS test, a legible copy of your identification document must be uploaded.
Additionally, this documentation must be presented on test day.
In case of uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of your identification document, reach out to your nearby test centre for verification.
It’s important to keep in mind that for individuals under the age of 18 who intend to book an IELTS examination, written authorization from a parent or guardian is mandatory to successfully schedule the test.
Where to book your IELTS test
If you know which test to take and have all the applicable documents, you can visit our online booking system to find a test venue and test session that is convenient for you.
Postpone or cancel your test
If you need to reschedule or cancel your IELTS examination, simply contact the test centre where you originally booked your test.
In case you need to cancel or reschedule your test, you can get a refund minus an administration fee, provided that you do so more than 5 weeks before your test date.
However, if you cancel or postpone less than 5 weeks before the test, you will be charged the full fee unless there is a serious medical reason for the cancellation or postponement.
Submitting a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date warrants a refund, minus the local administrative cost.
